Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bert-
I will be thinking of you this weekend as law enforcment is remebered for their sacrafice at the Washington D.C.
memorial week. We all miss you very much and think of you everyday!!!!!Love you!

Michele

MIchele

May 12, 2006

I MISS YOU BERT! I THINK OF YOU ALL THE TIME. I THINK I GOT A SIGN FROM YOU,IF IT WAS THANK YOU!

LORRAINE

May 4, 2006

Bert I have been thinking about you alot lately and just wanted you to know that you are missed dearly. Everytime I see a Hummer I think of you; and boy right now there are alot of Hummers on the road. Thank you for watching over all of us and keeping us safe. With you p[atrolling I can say I do feel safe.

Sue Pearce
Aunt

April 30, 2006

Bert: Im sure you already know we just lost a very dear friend in a car accident that could have been completely avoidable had the other driver been paying attention. I ask that you take him under your wing and show him the rope up there. Please help him and please help us all get through this very tough time.

we love you and miss you!

April 20, 2006

Bert – I just wanted to say Thank You to both you & dad for looking over mom on Monday. Monday was a very long & tiring day for me. But because of all the strength you & dad sent me I was able to be strong and get through it. Please continue to look over mom as she will need you to get through the next few months. As you know yesterday was the 1st anniversary of cousin Michael’s death. As I sat yesterday my heart just broke for Carol, Toni, & Berni. I knew exactly how they were feeling yesterday and I remember what I was like on the 1st Anniversary of your death. I can also only imagine how hard it was for Aunt Dorothy, Uncle Michael & Dawn. But in a way it’s comforting knowing that you, Dad, & Michael are up their together keeping each other company and not alone. I love you Bert & will miss you forever.

Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SURVIVING SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

April 13, 2006

Hi honey. I was going through some old pictures this weekend and I found so so many. Some made me sad and some made me laugh. It seems like so long since I've seen you. Jayda and I love you and miss you.
Love your wife,
Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 02-05-04

April 12, 2006

Bert – Our family is going to need all the strength we can to get through Monday. As I know you already know that is the day mom gets her surgery. I know you will be with mom that day. I will be at the hospital with her because there is no place I’d rather be than with her. Please watch over her and make sure she comes out of her surgery ok. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. I am so glad she is getting this surgery but there is still that part that doesn’t want her to get it. I guess because of everything I’ve been through in the past 11 years and everything that is going on with my friend Lynne’s mom. The past few nights I’ve been thinking what would I do if something happened to her and all I know is it scares me to death. I don’t even want to think how I’ll be Sunday night or Monday morning. So Bert please look over mom and make sure nothing happens to her. I know she will be ok because she will have you & dad looking over her. I know you probably have a lot of connections up their so I’m asking you please to use them and let mom’s surgery be a success.

I know mom, Andrea, & I will be in the thoughts & prayers of many that day. The next few weeks are going to be really tough but as a family and with the help of all who love & care for mom will be their to help in anyway they can and I know you & dad will be the ones who give us the strength to get through it. I LOVE & MISS you Bert!!! Andrea & I will take care of MOM & everything down here. You & Dad just work your little magic and also watch & protect Mom, Andrea, & I from up their.

Love,
Your Little Sister
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SURVIVING SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

April 7, 2006

Bert:
Ironically, sometimes blessings come from tragedy. After Matt's death on March 8th, my sister was able to connect with your beautiful wife, Denise, who is an angel sent from God. She has been incredibly helpful to Lynn, and I hope we can somehow be helpful to her as well. As you and Matt are getting to know each other in Heaven, I'm sure you are watching down on your wives, who are two of the strongest women I have ever met. God Bless.

Laura Avalos
Sister-in Law of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

April 4, 2006

Hi honey. Today I went up to spend the day with Lynn Melchionda. I never thought that I would be able to actually help someone after our tragedy, but our situations are so similar and the 4 of us have so much in common. She is really very sweet and I wish that I could do more to help her because watching her go through what she is reminds me of everything I went through. I am glad that you and Matt brought us together. Take care of him up there and show him the ropes. I know its beautiful up there and you both are at peace, but just know that we both wish we could have you down here. I love you and always will.
Love your wife, Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 2-5-04

April 1, 2006

Bert - I need to ask you & dad a really big favor. Please look over my friend Lynne's mom. Right now she is really sick and needs a guardian angel to look over her. I couldn't think of anyone better to ask than you & dad. Please also look over Lynne & her family. My heart just really breaks for them. I totally know the place they are at & the pain they feel. Right now I think they need a miracle and I pray everyday that they get that miracle. But should they not get that miracle I am asking you & dad to please take her mom under your wings to protect and show her the way. Lynne has always been there for me whether I needed a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen or just needed a hug. I wish there was more I could do. But I know the best thing for me to do is to pray really hard for her mom and to just be there for her like she was for me. It just really sucks that I have to watch someone go through this.

I love you Bert & will miss you forever. I also wanted to say thanks for the sign telling me what I should do with what I found last month. I knew I could count on you to guide me in the right direction. In the beginning I asked myself am I making the right choice & will I regret it one day? But then I realized that answer is simple I made not only the right choice but the only choice and I will never regret it.

Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SURVIVING SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

March 30, 2006

Hello Denise.
I have been thinking of you a lot it has been two years since our Husbands have been killed just to let you know he is in my prayers and you I had my trial for the second time and justice was served I feel very good about it and wish you the same please call me if you can give my best to your Parents

Gretchen Le Claire
widow of Officer Le Claire EOW 3-19-2004

Gretchen LeClaire
Survivor

March 28, 2006

Hi my honey. I just wanted to tell you that I love you and I miss you every day.
Love your wife,
Denise
7777777

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 2-5-04

March 26, 2006

Uncle Bert,

Happy St. Patty’s Day!!! We LOVE & MISS you very MUCH!!!! You are the BEST Uncle EVER!!

XOXOXOXO

Love,
Jenna & Bobby

JENNA & BOBBY MANOS
BERT'S NIECE & NEPHEW

March 17, 2006

Bert – Happy St. Patty’s Day!!!! This day 5 years ago Bob & I had our Wedding Reception. I still can’t believe it’s been 5 years. Of course there is the traditional Father/Daughter dance but at my wedding that wasn’t possible for me. I’m sure you know how much that bothered me not having Dad their to share in that dance with me. As a little girl I had so many dreams of what my wedding would be. I saw me in a white dress dancing with dad but on March 26 1995 all those dreams & my heart were shattered into a thousand pieces. I knew from that day that my life would never be the same. Just when I though life couldn’t get any worse February 5, 2004 happened. I am so thankful for all the time that you & I had together but my heart breaks for all the time that we won’t be able to share together. I know one day we will see each other again and right now that is all I have to hold on to. Even though I didn’t have dad to dance with I knew it would be ok because I had you my brother. I sit here and remember that night & that dance like it just happened. I was actually looking at those pictures this morning. There I was dancing with my brother. During that dance we laughed, we cried but what I remember the most is you telling me how much you loved me & how proud you were of me. You also told me how proud dad would have been of me. You were someone who I looked up to and loved more than anything. So Thank you Bert for being there for me and dancing with me at my reception.

Please look over our family & give us the strength to get through the next few weeks. Next Sunday was the day that Dad was taken from us. It’s hard to believe it will be 11 years. But I know that you & dad will be with us helping us to get through the day. I Love you Bert & will Miss you forever.

XOXOXO

Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SURVIVING SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

March 17, 2006

Hi honey. As you know, another officer from NJ has joined you in heaven. Please show Matt around up there so that his wife Lynn knows he is not alone and not afraid. I will do my best to take care of his wife anyway that I can. I miss you everyday and I love you so much. Love your wife, Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman 2-5-04

March 16, 2006

Dear Bert,
As you already know I wrote you a short time ago asking you to give a sign to someone you went thru the academy with so he could realize how blessed he is to have his little girl. Thank you for showing ME that she is better off without him. His leaving a card in the mailbox saying he cared & didn't understand why things were the way they are. Yet he never mentioned his little girl who has been sick and when I contacted him he acted like I was nothing but a bother, this showed me that it is all a psychological game to him and that we are better off without him. I believe that one day I will meet someone who will love me unconditionally for who I am and raise her as his own. Don't get me wrong I still cry the nights I know he is working b/c my worst fear is seeing his name on this website and not having my little girl acknowledged and not being able to take her to her own father's funeral b/c his family doesn't even know she exists. So despite everything please keep a close watch over him, keep him safe and help guide him. Thank you and God Bless you and your family!!!

March 15, 2006

Bert – I know you would want me to smile & be happy today. Today is Bobby’s 3rd Birthday!!!! So Happy Birthday to your Nephew & Godson Bobby!!! Even though I know I should be happy my heart still breaks. We just got back from his Birthday Party and guess where he picked Chuck-E-Cheese. We all know you loved their pizza. I know you were there with us and when I had a slice of pizza I thought of you. How is it that I can go to a place like Chuck-E-Cheese and find something their that makes me think of you. Bobby has had a great birthday so far. He was so glad to have everyone that he loves their to celebrate his birthday including you & dad because I know the two of you wouldn’t of wanted to be anywhere else. I couldn’t have asked for my little boy to have a better Uncle & Godfather than you. I know you watch over him and keep him safe. I look at him and can’t believe he’s 3 already. It’s weird but he keeps saying my Uncle Bert gave him dollars. I just look at him and say ok that was so nice of him. For as little as he was when you passed away he sure does remember you and talk about you all the time. I can’t tell you how nice that is because that’s one thing that really bothered me was that he wasn’t going to remember you . How awesome was his cake. I’m sure you not only know but also see how much he loves hockey but then again with Bob as his father did you expect anything else. Everything is hockey from the time he gets up till the time he goes to bed. His favorite position is goalie and for his birthday we got him goalie equipment in which he wears all the time. He even takes it to bed with him. His favorite player on the flyers is Niittymaki or as he calls him Nitty and mom is going to get him a Niittymaki Jersey as soon as she can find a place that sells his size. Once he gets that he’ll be all set.

I love & miss you very much Bert!!! Please send Bobby lots of birthday Hugs & Kisses today.

XOXOXOXO

Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SURVIVING SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

March 12, 2006

Bert - As you already know we had Jenna's Birthday Party yesterday!! Like last year she wanted to have another skating party. I know you were their with us as we celebrated her 7th Birthday! I still can't believe she is 7. All I keep thinking is where did the years go. Thank you for the sign letting me know you were their with us. Jenna just loved having her family & friends their to wish her a Happy Birthday. Their are so many things she does & says and I say to myself she is her Uncle Bert. How I know you would laugh and get that smile on you face when she says & does these things. I can also hear you saying that's my girl & wanting to give her high fives for it!!!

I need to ask you a favor. I found something the other day and I really need you to send me a sign telling me what I should do with it. For right now I put it away and until you tell me what I should do with it I will just leave it where it is. I think I was in total shock when I found it and said to my self why? But then I realized the why is simple "Too Young & Really Doesn't Know". I've asked everyone else what I should do and they tell me that's a tough one. So I'm turning to you my brother just like I did when you were here to tell me what I should do.

We'll continue to look over us and keep us safe. I'm going to go have a piece of Birthday Cake from your favorite place ACME. I LOVE & MISS you very much!!! I'm going to an 80th birthday party for Bob's Grandfather but on the way I will stop and see you.

XOXOXOXO

Love,
Jamie

JAMIE MANOS
SURVIVING SISTER OF TROOPER BERTRAM ZIMMERMAN III - EOW 2/5/04

February 19, 2006

BERT---JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW WE THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO TO US AND THE EXACT TYPE OF GUY THAT WE WOULD WANT OUR OWN DAUGHTER TO BRING HOME. IN THE SHORT TIME WE KNEW YOU, YOU MADE A LASTING IMPRESSION ON US. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! JEFF, SHANNON AND RILEY

JEFF AND SHANNON
FRIENDS OF BERT AND DENISE

February 19, 2006

hey denise...

i have been thinking of you...i know you just reached the two year mark of bert's death...gosh, i can't believe it!...people say, "how time fly's"...but, to us wives, two years seems like forever in an eternity!...

i think of you all the time, and miss you so much!...we have got to get together...it is LONG overdo!...

just wanted to say "hi", and tell you to keep your spirits high...pretty hard for me to say, but i mean it!

bert, continue your watch over denise and your family...may your spirit bring peace into all their lives, for that is what you would most want!!

rest in peace dear trooper, and please say hello to my chris...i know you guys are great friends...it was a sign when your names and pictures were placed side-by-side in a featured article about fallen cops...denise and i knew then, that we were destined to be friends too...it is crazy how God works, but as sad as we are, we must not question His will...our questions will be answered when we are lucky enough to be re-united with you guys when He is ready for us...

respectfully,
susan

Susan C. Shea
Surviving Spouse DSP Cpl. Shea 07/18/04

February 15, 2006

Bert,
I never had the chance to meet you but I was engaged to someone you went thru the academy with at the time of your passing. I was at your viewing and met yor wife and I remember how amazed I was at how strong she was being. I don't think I could do it. I often come to your reflection page and read about the signs you give her...I believe that you do. My ex fiance left me when I became pregnant, our daughter is now almost 6 months old and I raise her every day by myself. I love her to pieces and cry knowing how deeply your wife cares for you and that you never had the opportunity to be blessed with a child. I don't want him back but my child needs her father, please give him a sign too...make him understand that he should feel priveliged to have this opportunity and that he can not make up for lost time. He seems to think he is invincible and I cry every night knowing he could go to work and never return home and my little girl would be left without so much as a picture with her daddy. Thank you and God Bless...I may not have had the opportunity to know you but after hearing all the wonderful things about you I admire you and your wife.

February 14, 2006

Dear Denise,

Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and hoping that you are okay. I can only imagine what the last two years have been like for you, but I hope the strong support of your family and friends has been a comfort. God Bless.

Cathy Muffi
Family Friend

February 14, 2006

Happy Valentine's Day Bert. Please send angel hugs and kisses Denise and Jayda's way.

February 14, 2006

This is just a short note to let you know that you are thought of every day. I know alot of people miss you; it is not the same without you. The other day I swore that I saw you driving your trooper car and patroling your route but then I had to go back to reality; for I knew it could not be. This show you that you are on everyone's mind even without you here.

February 10, 2006

Thinking of you and your family

February 9, 2006